Would Sinatra Have Done American Idol?

The American music industry has undergone tremendous changes in the past
decade, but one thing has remained consistent: the fastest, if not
easiest way to national stardom is through American Idol. The show,
known for its hilarious auditions, interactive viewership, and notorious
judges, has launched the career of several high-grossing stars from
Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood to Adam
Lambert. Pondering the state of American celebrity, Time television
and media columnist James
Poniewozik wonders if The Voice of
the past might do battle against the voices of today:

Everyone has someone on their holiday shopping list who’s impossible to buy for. For the second year in a row, we asked Atlantic readers to describe their someone, and brainstormed a few perfect gift ideas for them.